Despite its name, Public School 972 isn't a place of higher learning—at least not in the traditional sense. The California-based gastropub aims to educate North Texans on the art of food and beer. Called PS 972 for short, the Addison eatery merges modern tastes with convivial fare. Add a chef-driven, seasonally inspired menu, and it's a school everyone can get excited about.
We like how PS 972 carries a scholastic theme throughout, from black-and-white composition notebooks for menus to a daily happy hour called recess. Even better that recess kicks off at 3 p.m. with wine on tap plus signature cocktails and craft beer from independent brewers such as Revolver Brewing and Oak Highlands Brewery, among other local and regional favorites. For extra credit, the restaurant adds a shuffleboard, darts and Jenga to the mix. “It's a very lively restaurant and serves as the perfect neighborhood hangout for people to relax, unwind and have fun,” says Phil Kastel, executive VP of culinary.
Kastel describes PS 972, Texas' second location of the gastropub, as approachable and laidback. If you're tired of the same old thing when you dine out, this is the place to try something new. “It's a spot for those who like to experiment with fun and unique flavors,” Kastel says. “[We serve] American comfort food with a twist—think Sriracha ketchup or meatballs with angry sauce.”
The chef-driven menu has a little something for all tastes, from salads and hand-tossed pizza to handcrafted burgers as well as steak and fish dishes. With nine locations across five states, each Public School restaurant is a one-of-a-kind experience. For starters, the restaurant uses local ingredients whenever possible. The menu also changes seasonally to keep guests coming back for fun, interesting dishes.
“We draw inspiration from our personal tastes and then experiment to see how we can make them unique or add modern elements,” says Kastel. “We get inspired by traveling among our different locations and learning more about the unique neighborhoods, cultures and flavors that make up each local community.”
If you haven't stopped into PS 972 yet, Kastel recommends trying a couple of his personal favorite menu items: Meatballs in Arrabiata Sauce and the Korean-Style Brussels Sprouts with Smoked Bacon. “Both are great twists on traditional bites,” he says. You also can't go wrong with the always-popular Bacon Cheddar Tots—massive tots loaded with melty cheese and salty bacon.
When it comes to burgers, the BBQ Bison Burger reigns supreme. A grass-fed patty is made exponentially better with whiskey barbecue sauce, Emmental cheese, bacon and mushrooms. On the lighter side of the menu, the Roasted Chicken and Quinoa Salad (arugula, feta, avocado, toasted walnuts and champagne vinaigrette) is a winner. PS 972 doesn't offer much on the sweet side, but with the Nutella Cookie Sandwich, there's really no need for improvement. When you get a mouthful of vanilla bean ice cream, bacon brittle and chocolate chunk cookie, it's all you need to give this dessert an A+. Want other options? Check the dessert special of the day on the restaurant's chalkboard.
If you're seeking a new spot for weekend brunch, PS 972 offers plenty of enticing reasons to make the drive. The Eggs Benedict Pizza (prosciutto, Grana Padano cheese, hollandaise and fried eggs) and the Edamame Hummus Toast (avocado, togarashi, bacon, furikake and eggs) are standouts. And because brunch calls for a little bubbly, we suggest settling in with a $5 carafe of mimosas or beermosas.
When you feel nostalgic about your school days but also want to enjoy a cold beer with your burger (or a mimosa with your waffle), PS 972 will satisfy your yearning.
PUBLIC SCHOOL 972
14854 Montfort Avenue
Addison
972.788.8484